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Holy Taco restaurant: worthy of praise
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Holy Tacos patio
I am always on the lookout for dining that is inexpensive, healthy and most of all family-friendly. This may seem like a hard combination but not when it comes to the East Atlanta restaurant, Holy Taco.
The exterior of this dining establishment is a mixture of what you have come to expect from this hip area of Atlanta. Rustic signs fashioned from stainless steal stand at the entrance and a perfect patio that begs for the perfect weather to enjoy it. I noticed that each planter contained marked herbs -the first clue of many that this restaurant uses the freshest ingredients available in its diverse fare. Inside there is evidence of this buildings earlier existence as a gas station. Large roll-away doors open to the large patio mentioned earlier, and on warmer days stay open.
The rain had put a damper on eating outside so we opted for a table in the main dining area which also shares space with the stainless steel topped bar. Vibrant colored roses climb up the walls-the impressive artwork of a local tattoo artist named, John Hinkle Meyer. Surrounding this surreal garden are mission style crosses.
We were promptly greeted by the warm staff that welcomed our family of four. Sensing the impatience of my two-year-old daughter our waitress arrived immediately with a high chair, crayons and recycled Kraft paper which doubled as a table cover and coloring page. I was impressed by the extensive selection of organic items on the kids menu. We opted for the fried chicken bites, saffron rice, and organic milk and apple juice. The kids scarfed down each and every chicken bite. From the big peoples menu we started off with Holy Taco's homemade guacamole and chips.
The guac was as flavorful and fresh as it appeared, which is a big mission for restaurant owner, Zoe Cernut. Cernut, who has been in the restaurant business most of her professional career, wanted an establishment that was good for the environment, people, and the community surrounding it. Which is why she seeks produce and meats from surrounding markets and vendors. This also extends to Holy Taco's commitment to recycling. "The kitchen doesn't waste anything," says Cernut. Additionally, Cernut has plans to incorporate this into the dining area as well. "You have to give back as much as you can."
The dinner menu is as eclectic as the neighborhood itself. I was drawn to the unique list of taco offerings. Feeling adventurous, I ordered The Lengua-a roasted beef tongue taco with tomato cucumber salsa and the Corazon de pollo-buttermilk fried chicken hearts, pickled red onions, arbol chile, and golden oregano (hey don't knock it till you've tried it!) The tongue was so tender that I forgot I was eating tongue! According to Cernut each meat is cooked here overnight to ensure the perfect tenderness and taste. As for the diversity, Cernut and Chef Robert Phalen were inspired by the many street taquerias and wanted to incorporate those choices and flavors into their menu. If you are looking for the blander taste that you can find at larger commercial Mexican restaurants, this is not the place for you.
Other menu items include: Flautas- golden fried tacos stuffed with chicken
Paella- shrimp, mussels, chicken, chorizo, corn, saffron rice
Pescado frito- fried tilapia taco, mexican slaw, chipotle aioli
Vegetarino- vegetarian taco with black beans, rice, radish,
avocado, and ecuadorian salsa
Elote asado- streetstall-style corn on the cobb, spice mayo, queso
For dessert we split the churros- a Spanish style doughnut lightly dusted with cinnamon and sugar served with a side of warmed nutella- to say it was yummy is an understatement! What I really liked about dining at Holy Taco was the unique flavorful fare, good prices, and a family-friendly environment. "We're no Tex-Mex," says Cernut. And thank heaven for that!
To learn more about Holy Taco or to view their menu click here
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